If you want to customize your own t-shirts, tote bags or any kind of apparel, iron-ons make it incredibly simple. If you have a color printer and a blank t-shirt, you have all you need to make your own custom garments that can be used for marketing promotions. This is a very cost-effective means of creating a memorable advertising and marketing campaign.
Instructions
Transferring Your Image to Apparel Using Iron-On Paper
1. Purchase the right kind of iron-paper. This is vital and will affect how your finished design turns out. For example, if you have an inkjet printer, the type of iron-on paper for this will be different than the type that is made for laser printers. It is best to go with paper that is sized at 8 ½ by 11, since this is the standard paper size for most printers. Iron-on paper is also classified by the color of the apparel you will be printing on. Light-colored apparel will require special iron-on paper. Darker colors will need a specific type of iron-on paper as well.
2. Prepare your image. Once you have the image you want to use on your computer, it is time to prepare it. Open your image in your photo-editing software. If necessary, resize the image until it will fit on the paper you have decided to use. Don’t worry if the image is small; you can always trim the paper to fit it once you have printed the image.
3. Flip the image. This step is required for most iron-on papers but not all. Make sure that you read the included instructions with your paper to determine whether or not this step is needed. If it is, you can flip the image in your photo-editing software and then save it.
4. Print the image. Load the iron-on paper into your printer with the correct side facing up. Once again, you may need to refer to the instructions to make certain which side should be fed into the printer. Print the image and then make sure you allow it enough time to dry properly before proceeding.
5. Prepare the iron-on transfer. Once the paper is dry, you will be able to get it ready for transfer. If necessary, trim the paper to fit your image. Make sure that you leave enough space around the edge of the image to prevent bleeding.
6. Prepare the ironing surface and the iron. An ironing board is typically not recommending for most iron-on transfers, since it will absorb heat instead of conducting it. You can place a board on your ironing board or use a flat surface that conducts heat. Your iron will need to be placed on the highest setting, and no steam should be used. If your iron has water inside, make sure to drain it before following the next step.
7. Begin the transfer process. After your iron is heated properly, place the garment on your ironing surface and smooth it out. Center the iron-on paper onto the garment with the printed side facing down. Once again, you may need to refer to the paper’s instructions for the length of time needed for the transfer.
8. Place the iron onto to the transfer paper and begin ironing it smoothly. Most paper will require that you go in one direction for 20 seconds, using up to three passes for a standard size sheet of paper, and then go in the other direction for another 20 seconds.
9. Remove the garment from the ironing surface and turn off your iron. Allow the garment to cool before carefully peeling the transfer paper away. That’s it–you’re done!
